Thursday, August 1, 2013

Hey Peacocks,

What an awesome fashion weekend with the Curves Rock Divas! Curves Rock Fashion Weekend took over Baltimore, MD for the second year in a row thanks to founder Tykesha Reed & Chanell Jones. A little extra spice was added this year with the help of hometown model, actress, host Liris Crosse as a partner. The ladies took the event to a whole new level with celebrity guest, tons of new fashion designers and boutiques.

The weekend was filled with a Tweet-Up, runway competition, curvy girl monologues, flash mob, life classes, networking, vendors, and of course a fashion showcase that was FIRE! Unfortunately, I missed all of the workshops because of stupid thunder storms, but I managed to find some pics for my peacocks.

Celebrity hosts plus model Liris Crosse and VH1/MTV's author Tionna Smalls (NO she is not the rapper Biggie daughter LOL) kept me in tears all night with their yin & yang comedy. #Beyonce #Kellie #ItoldyoumynameisMrs.Carter LOL, you needed to be there to catch that, sorry if you missed it and you have to come next year. Besides the comedic relief, the showcase presented some of our favorite plus size retailers and new designers from around the U.S. The runway was filled with curvy friendly fall must-haves from Torrid, Ashley Stewart, Niche Boutique, Pile NY, Annie Kaufman, Serita Bell, P.S. Couture, Empress Lingerie, Real Divas Are Large, Tru Diva, Marco Hall, featured designer Shanda Freeman, and first timer C. Nicol. I am a warm weather person so I'm a little sad to see summer go. Trading my plethora of maxi dresses for bulky dumb weather coats! Although I must admit that I am looking forward to the jumpsuit trend this fall. Designers Marco Hall and Tru Diva set the bar high for that trend.

After a long night of Haute Couture, it was time to go home and prepare for the final CRFW event, the Empowerment Brunch. The brunch was held at Saute, a little bar and grill in the heart of Little Italy in downtown Baltimore. This event brings CEO's, models, bloggers, volunteers, and everyday people who are looking for inspiration from the fashion industry. This year's quest speakers were Catherine Schuller a former Ford Model, also affectionately know as "The Fairy Godmother of the Plus size fashion industry" and Trojah Irby-Morgan author of "My Fat Is Not A Flaw". These ladies spoke to us about encouraging and motivating oneself, because frequently, you have to be your biggest cheerleader. Although it was difficult at times, these women kept pushing to pursue their dreams despite life's ups and downs. Trojah made life her runway and "Naomi Campbell walked" right into being the founder and CEO of Diva Enterprises. While Catherine decided to make her distinct impression in the fashion business and not become a standard cookie cutter model. Both of these ladies stories were awesome. Although one thing in particular stood out to me which was a statement Catherine made: "Include yourself, you shouldn't wait for someone to include you if you want to be apart something". I will add that to my list of daily inspirations. I love when like minds get together. It's amazing how despite our paths in life, we understand each other. After leaving the brunch, I felt even more prepared for this fashion blogging world because I will now "Include Myself and Not wait on other people to include me.